The year 1955 must have been difficult for GM’s chief engineer Ed Cole. His baby, the Corvette, was entering its third year of production with a less than a stellar sales record. While sales of the 1954 model increased to 3,640, a tenfold improvement from 1953, the number still wasn’t close to Chevrolet’s projected goal of selling 10,000 Corvettes per year. At the start of the 1955 model, about 1,000 unsold 1954 units were still sitting on dealer’s lots. Things weren’t looking good for America’s only true sports car.

Chevy considered making several visual changes for 1955. Styling proposed replacing the shark-tooth grille with an egg-crate grille, similar to the one that would be used on the 1955 full-size Chevrolet line. A prototype was mocked up with the proposed grille, a revised hood (for V-8 models) with a functional air scoop, and four vents inset into the front fenders. The changes would assuredly differentiate the new model from the earlier model. But the facelift never happened. The Corvette program was in deep financial trouble, and Chevrolet wasn’t willing to spend additional money on the vehicle. Ultimately, the only visual changes for 1955 were new interior and exterior colors and a revised front fender script with a gold “V” in the word “cheVrolet” on Corvettes equipped with the new V-8.

While offering nothing new on the outside to help bring customers into the showroom, Chevrolet’s powertrain engineers had a few tricks up their sleeve, hoping to assist in improving sales. Until this time, Corvette’s only engine was a modified version of the stove-bolt six, not exactly the ultimate setup for a sports car. To make things worse, the Corvette was available only with a two-speed Powerglide transmission. However things were about to change, big time. Chevrolet had developed a new lightweight, small-block V-8. Small in size and 41 pounds lighter than the Blue Flame Six, the 265 cubic-inch engine would take Chevrolet to the front of the performance pack. Chevrolet’s entire lineup would certainly benefit from the new engine, but it was clear Corvette would benefit the most. With a high-lift cam and four-barrel carburetor, the Corvette version pumped out 195 horsepower, 50 more than the Corvette six-cylinder and 15 more than the most powerful version offered in Chevrolet’s full-size line. Chevrolet was banking on this more powerful V-8 to jump-start Corvette sales.

Production of the 1955 model began in November 1954. The six-cylinder engine was carried over from 1954, but with a five-horsepower increase via a revised camshaft. Chevrolet’s two-speed Powerglide remained the only transmission available but late in the model year, a Saginaw three-speed manual transmission would make its way onto the option list. The rear axle housed a 3.55:1 ring and pinion. Later, a 3.27:1 ratio became available for stick-shift cars.

Sadly, Chevrolet’s new V-8 and the availability of a manual trans did nothing for sales. By the end of the model year, only 700 Corvettes made their way into customers’ hands. The bean counters were preparing to pull the plug on the program, but the visionaries at Chevrolet circled the wagons and won the fight. And today, over 50 years later, the Corvette continues to be America’s only true sports car.

Fuel For ThoughtFirst year for the famous small-block V-8First year for manual transmissionV-8s had a 12-volt electrical system, six-cylinders continued with 6-voltConvertible tops available in canvas or vinylLast year for six-cylinder

Insurance costInsurance cost is $571/year for a $89,300 1955 Corvette. This is based on 3,000 miles per year of pleasure driving.*Based on a quote from Heacock Classic Car Insurance, www.heacockclassic.com

Engine – Chevrolet’s Blue Flame six-cylinder provided adequate acceleration and reliability. The outstanding design of the new small-block V-8 ushered in a new era of factory performance engines. The 1955 version included a Carter four-barrel carburetor, 8.0:1 compression, and dual exhaust.

Handling – The 1955 Corvette’s low center of gravity and nearly 50/50 weight distribution allowed it to handle well even when pushed to the limit. Corvettes equipped with the V-8 handled even better due to a reduction of 41 pounds from the front end. The weakest point in the handling department–not surprisingly–were the 6.70x15 bias-ply tires.

Vehicle CategoryThe 1955 Corvette falls into the serious collector car category. Very few are driven on a regular or semi-regular basis. As they continue to increase in value, fewer cars are seen at local car shows. It was the first generation of America’s only true American sports car. Few if any cars can match its appeal and heritage.

BooksChevrolet Corvette: Gold Portfolio by R. M. ClarkeCorvette by Mike MuellerCorvette: American Legend 1954-55 Production by Noland AdamsCorvette by the Numbers by Alan ColvinCorvette Fifty Years by Randy Leffingwell

ReviewThe 1955 Corvette became the foundation for factory high-performance vehicles. The 265 cubic-inch V-8 started the horsepower war that continues to rage today. Although it had few comfort features, the 1955 Corvette provided performance enthusiasts an outstanding value. The combination of great performance and stylish lines put the Corvette in a class of its own.